RCMP probe B.C. workers who failed to help vulnerable aboriginal teen

Jennifer Stahn

Paige was only 19 years old when she died in Vancouver's notorious downtown eastside.

Image Credit: contributed

September 18, 2015 - 11:30 AM

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's representative for children and youth confirms an RCMP investigation is underway, following a report about the tragically short life of an aboriginal teenager who died of an overdose in 2013.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond issued a report in May about the 19-year-old identified only as Paige, saying the teen had endured a "broken system" characterized by persistent indifference from front-line workers.

At the time, Turpel-Lafond said criminal action would be the likely outcome if a parent offered the same lack of protection from violence and neglect as Paige received from health care and social workers, police, educators and others.

The children's watchdog says she is aware the RCMP has taken over Paige's file and hopes all those involved in her care will be investigated thoroughly.

She says many people worked with Paige but did not report the horrific conditions she suffered.

Provincial legislation says failure to inform the government of a child needing protection is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and six months in jail.

OPINION At least part of me wasn’t sure I should write this, given what happened last time. It was August 15, 2003 and like many Thursdays before it, I was scratching around for a column idea. The summer newsroom